Troops kill one, arrest four suspected terrorists in Benue military operation

Troops under Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke have killed one suspected terrorist and arrested four others during a coordinated patrol in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

The operation, which was launched from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bilawa-Jor, covered the Mbapa and Mbabuande areas on March 23, 2026, where soldiers engaged suspected terrorists in a firefight.

While one suspect was killed during the encounter, others fled the scene. However, the troops pursued the fleeing individuals and later arrested four suspects, who are now in military custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

In a separate but related operation, security forces intercepted a vehicle carrying two cows suspected to have been abandoned by cattle rustlers in the Uhemba area.

The incident occurred around 3:48 a.m. on March 24, 2026, after troops acted on intelligence reports of cattle rustling in the area.

On sighting the advancing troops, the suspected rustlers reportedly fled, abandoning both the vehicle and the livestock.

Military authorities confirmed that the recovered vehicle and cattle have been secured as investigations continue to trace those responsible for the crime.

The army has also renewed its call on residents to provide credible and timely intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community support remains crucial in tackling insecurity and criminal activities in the region.